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James Mc

New Member
Hi there everyone!

I've decided to take the plunge and become a cyclist! I find gyms too restrictive and jogging just bores me! I always enjoyed cycling when I was a kid so figured it would be a good way to get some much needed excercise now.

I'd appreciate any advice you guys can offer as to what sort of bike I should get. I'd imagine I'll be doing a mix between on and off road cycling. Am I better off with a 'hybrid' cycle or maybe a MTB with 'slick' tyres? My budget's up to £400 - any recommendations? Also is there any other essential kit I'll need?

Thanks

James
 

bonj2

Guest
depends how off road is off road.
If you mean full-on mtbing, then get a full-on mtb.
If you mean basically trekking, i.e. canal towpaths, disused railway lines etc then a hybrid or a light, cross-country style mtb with something like 28-35mm tyres would be best.
Planning on doing regular long distances? then get a road bike. If you plan on doing long distances but want to go on canal towpaths and the like aswell, then either find a way round them on the road or just get a road bike and a cheap second hand rigid mtb to use as a 'pub' bike for when you need to go off road. Only thing you want to watch out for, is a hybrid on long distances on road is going to be a bit of a ballache, 'cos it's fatter tyres make it less efficient.
 
Hello James!

The only essential other kit you will need is an iron will to stop buying a 'better bike'...:biggrin:

Once you get the bug, it will be a case of "ooo I can't possibly ride across that gravelly bit with my best wheels on" or " I'm not going all that flippin' (or similar word) way with these fat knobbly tyres" or " I can't possibly ride this muddy bike with my nice new CycleChat jersey" - and so on.

Oh! forget the iron will - just get some bikes...leave only enough money to get to the Café on here and have a cup of forum tea with LordoftheTeapot and others...:biggrin:
 

bonj2

Guest
Essential kit you NEED:
spare tubes, pump and tyre levers (NOT just a puncture repair kit)
lights, if going at night
lock, if you plan on leaving it anywhere
er.. that's it

What you could ideally do with, but isn't absolutely essential:
suitable clothes for comfort. Base layer (merino is best, for cold weather cycling), padded bib tights or padded underwear, and good warm waterproof jacket are the main ones i would say.

What i recommend having:
helmet (for protection, more important on road/hard surfaces, also good to carry a light or even camera on it)
clipless pedals - efficiency and security. once you've tried them you'll never look back

er... that's about it
 

Bigtallfatbloke

New Member
Hi James...welcome aboard.

This is a GREAT place, stick around I am sure you'll get a lot out of it.

Thesingle most important bit of kit I possess is a cheap Hi vis vest...it's saved my life many a time.
 
OP
OP
J

James Mc

New Member
Thanks for your responces guys!

I guess it's going to just be tow paths at the most at the moment. I'm on a budget and have a lack of storage space so one bike's all that's practical at the moment.

The maximum distance I'll be doing at the moment it about 20 miles. Although I'll hopefully be building up to more as my fitness levels increase.

Anyone in the Bedfordshire area know of any good routes?

Cheers

James
 

cyclebum

Senior Member
Location
Cheshire
Hi James, Welcome :angry:. I don't have the experience or knowledge to advise on a bike, you've already had that, though I would add that I have started with a mtb and invested in slicks so I can switch to which ever is more appropriate and this was a cheaper start for me.

However I will add that if you need to know anything, this is definately the place to get it ;).
 

walker

New Member
Location
Bromley, Kent
I would invest in some lottery tickets as you will soon be needing extra space for clothes, Spares, bikes, wheels. this is the only way forward, either that or rob a bank.

Good luck with the will power, you will need it in say.... about a year or so's time
 
Welcome James! ;)

I'm sure this will be of very useful/interesting reading for you:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cyclecraft-...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1203347220&sr=1-1

Learn a bit of basic bike maintenance (pun*tures, changing brake blocks etc), clean your bike regularly occasionally; and follow the advice the others here have mentioned above.
Good luck, and don't worry about posting questions here; if you're lucky you might get some serious answers! :angry:
 

cyclebum

Senior Member
Location
Cheshire
walker said:
I would invest in some lottery tickets as you will soon be needing extra space for clothes, Spares, bikes, wheels. this is the only way forward, either that or rob a bank.

Tell me about it! I shudder to think what I've spent in the last year, but if that wasn't an incentive to keep it up.......;)
 
Hi

I would go for a good second hand bike rather than a new one. I got my road bike on ebay; it is a £500 Felt bike for £120. If it is uncomfortable or not right sell it by same method and it cost you nothing.

Keep a log of your rides, then you will see improvemet which you do not notice day-to-day.

Sign up for a bike ride. London to Brighton is good but gets over subscribed. Lots of other 50 mile ish rides around for you to work to and to keep you motivated once the initial spurt wears off.

I am not a sporty person and have tried just about every form of exercise. Cycling is the only one I have stuck with.
 

Tynan

Veteran
Location
e4
Aperitif said:
Once you get the bug, it will be a case of "ooo I can't possibly ride across that gravelly bit with my best wheels on" or " I'm not going all that flippin' (or similar word) way with these fat knobbly tyres" or " I can't possibly ride this muddy bike with my nice new CycleChat jersey" - and so on.

you make that attitude sound silly
 
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